Sky Watcher Flextube 250p GoTo WiFi question

[Andromeda_2025]

I am looking to purchase a Sky-Watcher Flextube 250p Synscan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope. According to the Australian Sky-Watcher website there are two different versions of it available. One version comes with a hand-held controller and the other only has a Wi-Fi unit built in. What's confusing to me is that some sources (including some of the retail shops) claim the WiFi module is built in both versions, even the one that has a hand-held controller, while the others say you get either the hand-held controller or a built-in WiFi hence the two different versions available.
Would anyone on the forum be able to confirm if the 250p version that comes with a hand-held controller also features a built in WiFi module?
I hope someone owns or used that version of the scope and would be able to provide some answers.

I will be grateful to anyone for help on this topic.

[Startrek (Martin)]

I just bought a new SW12” Goto Synscan Base unit only from Testar as my old unit had issues which could not be rectified. These definitely come in 2 versions , Synscan with Handcontroller and Synscan with Wifi. I bought Synscan with Handcontroller.
I assume the 10” would the same but give Testar a call or call Sky-Watcher Australia ( Tasco Sales ) direct and speak to Alex or someone in Sales to confirm.

Martin

[Startrek (Martin)]

I went on Sidereal Tradings website and searched Sky-Watcher 250P (10” ) Goto Dobsonian telescope
The description says these telescopes are equipped with “either” a Synscan Handcontroller or Wifi adapter to control the telescope.

https://www.siderealtrading.com.au/p...ble-dobsonian/

I think this confirms your query

Martin

[Andromeda_2025]

Hi Martin,

Thank you for your reply/comments. It looks like there are two separate models available in Australia, although someone mentioned to me that the new run of the hand held controller Dobsonian telescopes comes with built-in WiFi. The US Sky Watcher website indicates that this is true. I plan to buy a hand-held controller version and if it doesn't have a built-in WiFi I will purchase Sky Watcher WiFi module separately. It costs around $100, which is not bad if you consider the price of the telescope itself.
Anyway, thank you again for your reply.

[Startrek (Martin)]

I just took delivery of my new Skywatcher 12” Goto Dob ( Base unit only) today and it has a Handcontroller port ( RJ12 ) on the Altitude housing that reads “HC” obviously for your Synscan Handcontroller plus a sticker adjacent to that which reads “WiFi” with multiple curved bars symbol ( obviously for the Synscan Wifi adapter or plug in dongle )
Based on my recent delivery I don’t think Skywatcher Australia ( Tasco Sales ) are importing Goto Dobs with internal Wifi. Im sure you still need to buy the Synscan Wifi adapter if you choose not to use the Synscan Handcontroller.
But that’s not to say they maybe changing models in the future ???


Martin

[Leo.G (Leo)]

Martin somewhat related, is the old faulty encoder board going back to SW to see if it can be refurbished?
If not, before tossing it if you haven't already I'd love the opportunity to have a look at it and see if there's any way of recovering the board and encoders or even replacing the encoders.
If it was somehow recoverable I'm sure it would be a handy board for you to have spare just in case of future issues which I hope you don't have again..
It will be returned, recoverable or not if you choose to try.

[Startrek (Martin)]

Originally Posted by Leo.G

Martin somewhat related, is the old faulty encoder board going back to SW to see if it can be refurbished?
If not, before tossing it if you haven't already I'd love the opportunity to have a look at it and see if there's any way of recovering the board and encoders or even replacing the encoders.
If it was somehow recoverable I'm sure it would be a handy board for you to have spare just in case of future issues which I hope you don't have again..
It will be returned, recoverable or not if you choose to try.

Skywatcher are basically importers and distributors, they offer some technical product support for which I was grateful for , but do not have high level technical support ( bench testing and diagnostics ) at the integrated circuit level. They only have limited spare parts too.
In regards to the encoders on my rig we only assumed that the encoders were the issue , unconfirmed. I’m going to keep the old base unit intact for spares in the future . If and when I get time I’ll have a look at the undetermined fault again. The main objective was to get my 12” up and running again asap.

[Leo.G (Leo)]

I'm glad you got it up and running again but the fault, could be anything with the board. Spare parts could be handy.
AT least when a board failed on my first GOTO mount it blew a hole in the main IC and was easy to spot the fault. I couldn't identify the IC nor would the manufacturer (something you'd already mentioned) but I got a new board cheap. Many IC's now come with any identification removed, they don't want people identifying their chips and doing their own repairs (or cloning I guess).